Interviewing as crew for yachts...some thoughts from a Chief Stew

Interviewing for a yacht job can be a completely different experience depending on who you’re speaking to. Especially as a junior crew member, you could have NO IDEA what you’ll be asked.

Some interviewers are very direct and to the point, only wanting to discuss work, but other interviewers are super friendly, will chat your ear off and not even mention the boat until the last 5 minutes!

I’ve spoken to a few of my Chief Stew, Chief Officer & Bosun friends to see what sort of things they like to ask and see in interviews. Here is what they said…

• “I like to find common ground, things we both enjoy and chat about that.”
• “I do call them unannounced to see how they answer the phone to a stranger.”
• “I ask where they see themselves going in their yachting career, to see if they have the same drive as my team.”
• “I like to make sure they are down to earth and keen to learn. Not a know-it-all.”
• “They need to be friendly and able to have a good chat on the phone.”
• “I’ll ask them what has been an example of a challenge and how did they overcome it; what was their most creative solution to a challenge/ project.” 

Some of the questions which they like to ask are:

• What is your favourite job you’ve had? What did you like about it and why?
• What is the worst job you’ve had and why?
• Where do you see yourself going in yachting? Is it a career and if so, what is your end goal?
• Which area in particular do you want to grow? E.g. service, wine knowledge, flower arrangement, laundry.
• Why do you want to join this boat?
• What could you bring to the team?
• What are your hobbies?
• Do you play any sport or are you into fitness?
• What are you most proud of at work/ personally.
• Why did you choose this industry?

Interviews are always different depending who you speak to.
You can be a bit more friendly with some people if they are being really casual with you. (Obviously keep it professional!) but other people you need to be direct and keep it to the point. Judge what sort of person you’re speaking to at the start of the interview and go from there.

I’ve found one question which throws a lot of people is ‘what is your weakness?’

Always make sure you’re prepared for this question, as you don’t want to be put on the spot and have no answer.

You could even say something along the lines of ‘speaking in front of large crowds’, then go on to say it is something you’re working on. This way you don’t shoot yourself in the foot by giving an answer off the top of your head, which could potentially jeopardise your whole interview!

We hope some of these questions give you an idea of what sort of things you could get asked, or if you ever interview with me, it could be...
1. Do you like Game of Thrones?
2. Do you like Harry Potter?

Good luck!

Written by Georgia Rex

Georgia is a Chief Stewardess, and has been working in the Superyacht Industry since 2014 and absolutely LOVES it.

She has worked on some of the biggest, most prestigious superyachts in the world, from 34m sailing yachts to a 134m motor yacht.

Georgia knows how challenging it can be starting your yachting journey, especially if like her, you have no experience in service, housekeeping OR laundry (does doing your laundry at university count?!).

She is a qualified yoga teacher, a wellness & confidence coach for women, specifically current & ex crew, and loves all things related to health & wellness. She is an avid reader too!  

Georgia now works on rotation, and in her time off, she has created an online junior interior course with a very informative website - Superyacht Stewardessing.

Recommended for being 'honest, engaging & hugely informative', her course is full of valuable detail, tricks and tips, giving support to those stewards & stewardesses starting off onboard yachts, including CV writing support.

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